The Māori Language of the Sea: A Celebration of Te Reo in Moana 2 Reo Māori

The world of film has long been a platform for celebrating cultural diversity and promoting language preservation. In recent years, the resurgence of interest in the Māori language (te reo Māori) has led to a new wave of productions that aim to showcase its beauty and importance. One such example is Moana 2 Reo Māori, a film that not only continues the story of the beloved heroine but also puts the Māori language front and center.

The film’s creators had a clear vision: to inspire a new generation of young people to fall in love with their reo and to see limitless possibilities for their futures. “We want our kids to think beyond,” says music co-director and translator Pere Wihongi (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kuri, Ngāti Wai). “Think beyond kura. Think beyond whare wānanga. What else can we do for our reo?”

This vision is reflected in the film’s storyline, which explores themes of identity, community, and perseverance. The cast and creative team worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the production – from the dialogue to the set design – was true to the spirit of te reo Māori.

“We’re getting attacked as iwi Māori,” says director Tweedie Waititi. “But what are we going to do? Sit down and take it or pivot? This is one of those pivots where we show our people there are other huarahi.” The film’s release comes at a time when discussions about Māori rights are dominating headlines, particularly over Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The cast and creative team are clear that their goal is not to promote the language as a novelty but to make it an integral part of everyday life. “This is the bare minimum of what needs to happen when people are including our stories, when people are including our language,” says Wihongi.

Moana 2 Reo Māori features a talented cast, including Jaedyn Randell and Temuera Morrison, who bring their own unique energy to their roles. The film’s message of empowerment and self-expression resonates deeply with audiences, particularly young people.

“No dream is too big,” says Jaedyn Randell. “No dream is too crazy. If you work hard enough… you’ll realise what you’re capable of.” Temuera Morrison adds, “Paddle our waka towards those goals, those desires, those careers… Moana’s doing it. She’s breaking the boundaries, being tenacious, being bold. That’s what we’ve got to do.”

Moana 2 Reo Māori is more than just a film – it’s an invitation to experience the beauty and richness of te reo Māori firsthand. The film opens nationally in Aotearoa cinemas from November 28.

As the world continues to navigate the complexities of language, culture, and identity, Moana 2 Reo Māori stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young people around the globe.